Leadership Center for Attorney General Studies

Dismantling systems of discrimination and racism allows every person, regardless of skin color, to fully participate in society.

Despite historic milestones, barriers created by systemic racism mean that people of color continue to face barriers in employment, health care, the criminal justice system, housing, and much more. In response to the racial disparities in the COVID-19 deaths and the repeated killings of unarmed Black people by law enforcement, states are facing calls to implement policies that will help communities of color.

As the chief law enforcement and/or legal officers in their states, attorneys general have the ability to implement policies and advocate for laws that will help transform systems that have historically harmed communities of color. Attorneys general promote legislative change, set prosecutorial priorities, investigate systemic bias in police departments and court systems, and provide key leadership by advancing messages about how to protect public safety.